Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection to a series of sexual assaults, which they believe are linked.

Officers are investigating up to 25 sexual offences committed in south London, mainly in Lewisham and Greenwich boroughs but also in Bromley, Bexley and Southwark.

The assaults took place over the last year, typically during the rush hour periods – between 7-9am and 4-6pm – with the victims all young women and girls.

The first incident is thought to have taken place on October 16, 2016, and saw a 13-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Foxfield Road, Orpington, at about 9.15am. Police have since received reports about similar offences which may have been committed by the same suspect.

The most recent reported incident occurred on November 22. A 15-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulted in Sandbourne Road, Brockley, just after 8.30am. It was from this incident that police secured the CCTV footage.

The man officers are seeking as part of the investigation is described as a middle-aged white man with blue eyes, in his forties.

Police have stepped up their patrols in the areas where incidents have been reported, and are working with schools to reassure pupils and parents.

Det Ch Insp Andrew Furphy, of Lewisham police, is leading the investigation. He said: “These offences have been traumatic for the victims, all of whom have been young females going about their daily lives.

“There is a strong possibility that these incidents are part of a linked series of attacks as a number of victims have provided very similar descriptions of the attacker – a white man aged between 40 and 50.

Police would like to speak to this man in connection with a series of sexual assaults, which they believe are linked. Picture: Metropolitan Police

“It is also notable that none of these offences have taken place over a weekend and many of them have been committed during the morning and evening rush hours. Our officers have been working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect, but we need the public’s help. CCTV shows footage of a male that we would like to speak to who we believe may be able to assist our investigation. If this is you or if you know who this person is, please contact us.”

He added: “We are also aware that there might be further victims who have not yet spoken to police. If you are a victim, or know someone who has been a victim of sexual assault, I can assure you your information will be treated with strict confidence and sensitivity. We also have access to specialist support.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, the incident room on 0208 284 8346 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

More than 100 young people from Police Cadet units across South London, including a teenager from Bromley, came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards, presented at the Kensington Great Hall on Sunday February 18.

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